Small, game-changing utilities for Windows and macOS

Discover Essential Productivity Boosters: Underrated Software for Windows and macOS

Often, the most impactful software isn't the largest or most expensive. From desktop customization to system cleanup, numerous smaller utilities for both Windows and macOS significantly enhance workflow efficiency. These apps not only boost productivity but also optimize computer performance for longevity.

Windows Utilities

EarTrumpet: Regain granular audio control. Residing in the system tray, EarTrumpet allows independent volume adjustment for individual applications. Perfect for balancing music and movie audio levels, it also manages multiple audio inputs/outputs seamlessly. Its intuitive design feels like a native Windows feature.

EarTrumpet is free.

Hain: A swift alternative to the Windows Start menu. Similar to macOS Spotlight, Hain (launched via Alt Space) lets you quickly launch programs, perform calculations, look up definitions, open websites, navigate folders, and copy items to the clipboard. Plugin support expands functionality.

Hain is free.

Seer: Preview files without opening them. Unlike macOS, Windows lacks built-in file preview. Seer addresses this, enabling spacebar-activated previews of images, videos, PDFs, and more. It also offers clipboard copy functionality for images and video frames.

Seer offers a free older version or a paid version ($12.18) with enhanced features and interface improvements.

DisplayFusion: Essential for multi-monitor setups. DisplayFusion boasts a comprehensive feature set within a user-friendly interface. It adds taskbars to multiple monitors, stretches wallpapers across displays, saves window positions, dims unused monitors, provides advanced monitor settings, and even supports custom scripts triggered by system events.

DisplayFusion is available as a free limited version or a full version ($29) with a 30-day trial.

PowerToys: A Microsoft-developed suite of utilities. PowerToys includes a window layout editor, custom keyboard shortcut creation, bulk file renaming, a Windows keyboard shortcut guide, batch image resizing, and a File Explorer extension for quick file previews (similar to Quick Look on Mac).

PowerToys is free.

macOS Utilities

AppCleaner: Simplify application uninstallation. AppCleaner streamlines the process by identifying and removing all associated files of an application before confirmation. It also lists all installed applications, helping identify unused programs.

AppCleaner is free.

Hazel: Automate file organization ($32). Hazel automates file management tasks, keeping folders organized based on criteria like date, type, name, and origin. It supports archiving, tagging, renaming, and complex rules for automated file management. A 14-day trial is available.

Hazel costs $32 with a 14-day free trial.

Amphetamine: Prevent MacBook sleep. Amphetamine keeps your MacBook awake even when closed, ideal for streaming or external display use. It allows for custom sessions, adjustable durations, and manages Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connections and hard drive sleep. Note: Extended use may impact battery life.

Amphetamine is free.

Parallels Toolbox: A comprehensive utility suite ($20/year). Parallels Toolbox offers a wide range of tools, including screen recording, GIF creation, junk file removal, duplicate file detection, RAM freeing, menu bar customization, scheduled sleep, and airplane mode activation. A seven-day trial is available.

Parallels Toolbox costs $20 annually with a seven-day free trial.

Magnet: Window management for macOS. Magnet provides macOS with window snapping functionality, allowing easy docking of applications to screen edges or corners via clicks or keyboard shortcuts. It also supports screen splitting into thirds.

Magnet costs $2.

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